St. Louis Cardinals: What the Big FA Signings Mean

John Lackey to the Chicago Cubs

Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

It seems as if baseball insiders and pundits are lauding the John Lackey signing as a savvy, depth-boosting move by the Chicago Cubs. The sentiment is based on the solid year he had for the St. Louis Cardinals last year. There’s no guarantee the old man will come anywhere near that again.

The 37-year-old right-hander tossed 218 innings in 2015, his highest total since 2007. He also posted a 2.77 ERA. Lackey was very good, no question. But he reminds me of former big league pitcher Kevin Millwood. Millwood didn’t have the career Lackey has had, but in 2005 the Millwood enjoyed a blip in his 16-year career when he led the American League with a 2.86 ERA. He turned that into a multi-year deal with the Texas Rangers after the season.

Guess what? The Rangers deal sucked. Millwood went right back to being the so-so pitcher he was. Lackey, I think, is in Millwood territory.